There are 17 people confirmed dead in a shooter situation in south Florida at a high school Wednesday afternoon.

The shooter was identified as Nikolas Cruz, 19, by a US official, as reported by the Associated Press. It was also confirmed that the suspect was a former student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Cruz was said to have been expelled from the school. A student who escaped the deadly shooting says he knew the suspect when he attended the school, describing him as a “weird kid” and something of a “loner.”

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel told reporters 12 victims were killed inside the school. Two others were killed outside the building. One person was killed on a nearby street. Two other victims were pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Later in the evening it was confirmed that all students were accounted for following a search throughout the building.

Sheriff Scott Israel of Broward County also said at the news conference that families of the dead are being notified. He says 12 of the dead have been identified. He says not all victims were carrying identification and thus couldn’t be quickly identified.

According to authorities, the suspect opened fire in the area of the school. Two law enforcement sources said the alleged shooter got out of the school after the shooting by blending in with other students who were trying to escape.

Senator Nelson said the shooter wore a gas mask and had smoke grenades.

AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

Family member embrace following a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, in Parkland, Fla.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office called in the SWAT team to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School where a suspect opened fire Wednesday. The FBI was briefed on the situation as well and is now taking part in the investigation.

They tweeted, "Shooter is now in custody. Scene is still active. #stonemanshooting."

The Broward Country School District tweeted a statement,“Today, close to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s dismissal, students and staff heard what sounded like gunfire. The school immediately went on lockdown but is now dismissing students. We are receiving reports of possible multiple injuries. Law enforcement is on site.”

Today, close to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s dismissal, students and staff heard what sounded like gunfire. The school immediately went on lockdown but is now dismissing students. We are receiving reports of possible multiple injuries. Law enforcement is on site.

WSVN reported that students on the ground outside of the school were being attended to by first responders. Some students and teachers were seen running from the building, while others were being escorted out by heavily armed law enforcement.

AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

Teachers and students still within the school were asked to stay put and to hide until given further instruction.

Parents of students at the high school and a nearby middle school were informed that the middle school was also put on lockdown as a precaution.

AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

Parents were told where to find their children as the school was being cleared.

"Any parent who is looking for their child, please go to the Marriot at 11775 Heron Bay Blvd. in Coral Springs." - Sheriff Israel #stonemanshooting"

"Any parent who is looking for their child, please go to the Marriot at 11775 Heron Bay Blvd. in Coral Springs." - Sheriff Israel #stonemanshooting

President Trump was briefed on the situation as was Florida Governor Rick Scott.

President Trump tweeted his condolences, "My prayers and condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible Florida shooting. No child, teacher or anyone else should ever feel unsafe in an American school."

My prayers and condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible Florida shooting. No child, teacher or anyone else should ever feel unsafe in an American school.

"Just spoke with @POTUS about shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. My thoughts and prayers are with the students, their families and the entire community. We will continue to receive briefings from law enforcement and issue updates."

House Speaker Paul Ryan sent a statement, "This is an unspeakable tragedy. It is nothing short of true evil to attack innocent children. While we now wait to learn more, we are so grateful to law enforcement and all those who brought this horror to an end. Let us all keep the victims in our hearts. A long night lies ahead for many families. Right now, the whole country is standing with the Parkland community."

Jeb Bush tweeted, "Praying for all impacted by the horrific shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward, especially the victims and their families."

Praying for all impacted by the horrific shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward, especially the victims and their families. https://t.co/65mkoGq0uQ

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted, "Sending my deepest condolences to the parents, families and friends grieving tonight in Parkland, Florida, and wishing a full recovery to the injured. Canadians have you in our hearts."

Sending my deepest condolences to the parents, families and friends grieving tonight in Parkland, Florida, and wishing a full recovery to the injured. Canadians have you in our hearts.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has joined law enforcement agents near the site of the deadly school shooting and offered his condolences to the victims’ families and survivors. He says the attack that claimed at least 17 lives “is just absolutely pure evil.”

Scott told reporters Wednesday evening he can’t imagine what the families of the victims are going through. He also said he would be visiting hospitalized survivors.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi says the state will cover funeral expenses for the victims and counseling for survivors.